Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What does the First Amendment protect?

1. The right to bear arms

2. Freedom of speech and religion

3. The right to a speedy trial

4. Protection against unreasonable searches

The correct answer is: Freedom of speech and religion

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is foundational in safeguarding individual liberties and freedoms crucial to a democratic society. It specifically protects several key rights, most notably freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. The importance of these rights lies in their role in promoting open discourse, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and beliefs without fear of government repression. While other amendments address different rights—such as the Second Amendment's protection of the right to bear arms or the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of a speedy trial—those are not encompassed within the First Amendment. Similarly, protections against unreasonable searches are primarily detailed in the Fourth Amendment. Therefore, the choice referring to freedom of speech and religion accurately encapsulates the primary protections afforded by the First Amendment.